Manipulator as a lifting aid: one device, two terms
- Zeilhofer HHT
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
: many search for the difference, yet both often mean the same thing. A manipulator is a lifting aid, that is, a technical device that takes the weight of a load and guides it pendulum-free, up to 800 kg. Zeilhofer Handhabungstechnik from Holzkirchen, Germany, builds these devices individually for 18 industries.
A detailed definition is given in the guide What is a manipulator. For an overview of all types of lifting aids, see Lifting aids for production and industry.
Is a manipulator a lifting aid?
Yes. Lifting aid is the umbrella term for devices that support manual lifting. The manipulator is a special form of it: it guides the load rigidly and pendulum-free so that it can be positioned, turned and joined to the centimetre. The term lifting aid emphasises the benefit, the term manipulator the technology.
Terms and synonyms
In industrial usage many terms are used interchangeably: lifting aid, manipulator, handling device, load manipulator or ergonomic lifting aid. They usually mean the same solution: a device that moves loads with little effort and safely.
Which manipulators and lifting aids are there?
Manipulator: stationary, pendulum-free, up to 800 kg.
ZH90 lift axis: linear Z-axis up to 1,200 kg.
Mobile lift: battery-powered, up to 100 kg.
Rope manipulator ZH70 and Acer: flexible load guidance up to 150 kg.
Ergonomics and cost-effectiveness
Whether you call it a manipulator or a lifting aid: the device lowers the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Which loads may be lifted by hand is shown in load limits and the Key Indicator Method. How a manipulator relieves strain is explained in function and benefit. Zeilhofer is certified to ISO 9001 and TISAX Level 2 with prototype protection.
Individual engineering
Which lifting aid fits your task is determined in a process analysis: from design and manufacturing to commissioning and service, all from a single source.
Frequently asked questions: manipulator and lifting aid
Is a manipulator a lifting aid?
Yes. Lifting aid is the umbrella term, the manipulator a special form with rigid, pendulum-free load guidance. It positions loads to the centimetre, which would not be possible with a crane.
What is the difference between manipulator and lifting aid?
Lifting aid describes the benefit, manipulator the technology. Every manipulator is a lifting aid, but not every lifting aid is a manipulator: lift axes and lifts also count.
What loads does a manipulator as a lifting aid move?
Zeilhofer manipulators guide loads up to 800 kg pendulum-free. For heavy vertical lifts there is the ZH90 lift axis up to 1,200 kg, for mobile use the lift up to 100 kg.
Which lifting aid for which task?
For movements in space the articulated manipulator, for purely vertical lifts the lift axis, for changing locations the mobile lift. The choice depends on load, motion sequence and installation space.
The right lifting aid for your task
Talk to our engineers. We find out which manipulator or lifting aid suits your process and develop the solution from A to Z.
